BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- For Bill White and his son Jeff, the purchase of 57 stores operated by Southern Family Markets represents the realization of a dream.

The two have long wanted to have a family-owned grocery business, says Jeff White, who holds the title of chief administrative officer of Belle Foods LLC, the entity created for the deal. Bill White is president and chief executive of Belle Foods.

"Over the last few years, we've been searching and searching, trying to find the right opportunity," Jeff White said in an interview after the deal was announced. "I think we're really going to be able to improve these stores."

He said he couldn't comment on any specific changes that will be made to the stores, but he said there are no plans to close any of them at this time.

The Whites and their families, currently living in New England, plan to move to the Birmingham area. The deal with Birmingham-based Southern Family Markets is expected to close in the next couple of months. Terms were not disclosed.

Bill White has worked in retail and wholesale distribution for the past 30 years. He has served as chief financial officer for a number of companies and has worked for several family businesses as the chief adviser on the future strategic direction of their enterprises.

"We are very excited about this acquisition and look forward with great anticipation to growing this business, being strong partners in the communities we will serve and bringing back the family-owned roots which have always made these stores so special," he said in a statement.

Jeff White has worked in the industry for 10 years.

Southern Family Markets operates the stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi under banners including Food World, Piggly Wiggly, Bruno's and Southern Family Markets.